The Government's Perspective

(Please add a Pro or Con: edit the text by clicking the Edit tab in the top right corner, making changes on the page, and then clicking the Save button in the tool bar.)

Pros

the most economical way, in terms of time and money, to collect data on student achievement (we spend billions of dollars on education, there needs to be some feedback on how well our money is being put to use)
if used correctly, opportunity to help schools in need
is an "easy" way to rate the education system without having to be involved in in-depth discussions around student needs and achievementis
is a way for the government to note large discrepancies between classroom marks and Provincial Exams (B.C.) and make inquiries

Cons

standardized testing is expensive
creates tension between teacher's union, possibly parents
the "top down" approach does not support collaboration or healthy relationships with educators. How can we move forward if all parties are moving in different directions?
the money spent on administering FSA's could be better spent to improve education and teacher professional development
Government officials are too far removed - not in "the trenches," so to speak